FAQ

Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay FAQ

What is Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay?

Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay is a point-to-point trail race through New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, runners, ruckers, and relay teams will take on the 50 Mile, 50K, and 50 Mile Relay adventure. The race finishes in historic Thurmond, a ghost town that comes alive with cheers on race day, and athletes can celebrate with a champagne toast and a train ride back to Montgomery.

What does “Highball” mean in Highball to Thurmond?

The race is named after the highball railroad signal, which meant the track ahead was clear—time to move forward at full speed. It’s a perfect symbol for this ultra marathon: Run free, chase big goals, and race the train to the finish line.

What distances are offered at Highball to Thurmond?

50 Mile Ultra – Starts in Montgomery, WV; ~6,000 feet of elevation gain; 12.75-hour cutoff to make the train.
- 50 Mile Early Start - 4:45 am start, 14 hour time limit, no awards - an option for those who want to complete the 50 Mile but are concerned about the cutoff time
50K Ultra – Starts at Hawks Nest State Park; ~3,100 feet of gain; well-marked, beginner-friendly cutoff (11.75-hour cutoff).
50K Ruck - Same details as the 50K. Ruck specifics can be found here.
50 Mile Relay – Teams of 2–4 split the course into 5 segments, each runner completing at least one leg.

When is Highball to Thurmond 2026?

The race takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Where does the Highball to Thurmond course go?

50 Mile: Montgomery → Thurmond, WV, mixing paved sections, mountain dirt roads, gravel, and technical trails. Read more about the course and see pictures in the Athlete Guide.
50K: Hawks Nest State Park → Thurmond, WV, on scenic New River Gorge singletrack and a few small portions of pavement. Read more about the course and see pictures in the Athlete Guide.
Both races finish in Thurmond, part of New River Gorge National Park.

What is the elevation gain for Highball to Thurmond 50 Mile and 50K?

50 Mile: ~6,000 feet of elevation gain.
50K: ~3,100 feet of elevation gain.

Is Highball to Thurmond beginner-friendly?

Yes! The 50K is an excellent first ultra, with a reasonable cutoff time of 11.75 hours and a full daylight start. The 50 Mile is more challenging but achievable with solid training, excellent course support, and 12.75 or 14 (early start) hours to finish.

Are pacers allowed at Highball to Thurmond?

Pacers are allowed in the 50 Mile and 50K (registration required, bib provided for safety). Read important details about pacers and crew and register your pacer here.

How does the Highball to Thurmond train ride work?

After finishing in Thurmond, athletes who purchased a ticket ride the Amtrack train back to Montgomery, where the 50 Mile began. The train departs at 6:59 PM sharp, with a last call whistle at 6:45 PM. Athletes who miss the train will still be transported back. We do not control the trains. This is a reliable schedule and is rarely late. But if Amtrak is delayed, athletes' departure will be delayed as well. Read more about the train ride here. There is no post-race shuttle back to Hawks Nest or Montgomery.

How do shuttles work for 50K runners at Highball to Thurmond?

Option 1: Park in Montgomery, take the pre-race shuttle to Hawks Nest, finish in Thurmond, and ride the train back to Montgomery.
Option 2: Park in Thurmond at the finish line, take the new pre-race shuttle to Hawks Nest, finish in Thurmond, and head home directly. This option is for those who don't wish to take the train at the end of the race.
There is no post-race shuttle back to Hawks Nest or Montgomery.

Where can I park at Highball to Thurmond?

50 Mile: Street parking in Montgomery. Take the train back from the finish in Thurmond.
50K: Options to park in Montgomery or Thurmond depending on whether you plan to take the train back. There is limited parking at Hawks Nest State Park.
There is no post-race shuttle back to Hawks Nest or Montgomery.

What food and aid are provided at Highball to Thurmond?

Aid stations are stocked with water, electrolytes, snacks, and real food for long distances. All aid stations have basic first aid and feminine products. At the finish line, expect hot food, snacks, and a cookout (burgers, hot dogs, and more). We're proud of our aid stations! Check out the full Aid Station Chart here. It includes locations, bathroom locations, full food and drink offerings, and more.

What is the cutoff time for Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay?

The course for all distances closes at 6:45 pm. You can view Aid Station cutoff times in the Athlete Guides: 50 Mile 50K

50 Mile Early Start: 4:45 am - 6:45 pm (14 hours)
50 Mile: 6:00 am - 6:45 pm (12.75 hours)
50K: 7:00 am - 6:45 pm (11.75 hours)

How do drop bags work for Highball to Thurmond?

Drop Bag locations can be found on the Aid Station Chart. Drop bags are 20x24x4 and provided by Trivium at packet pickup. YOu'll leave your drop bags with us at packet pickup, either on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. You must use our bags.

50 Mile - 2 drop bags + a finish line drop bag
50K - 1 drop bag + a finish line drop bag

What is the weather typically like in May in New River Gorge?

The weather can vary greatly in May in this area. Generally this area can have major swings in conditions simply based on its location and mountains with huge valleys. I would be prepared for hot and humid, but expect a bit more mild conditions. It would be wise to be prepared for wet conditions as well as this can be a wet season.

Where should I stay?

We have some recommended areas for lodging here. It really depends if you want to stay closer to the start, finish, or in between.

What should my family do while I'm out running? Nearby fishing spot or something?

Fayetteville is filled with awesome outdoor activities and lots of opportunities. This area provides a lot of opportunities for fishing, too! Order a free New River Gorge Convention & Visitor Bureau and West Virginia Department of Tourism travel guide and make it a family vacation!

Recommendations for local eats?

I may be biased because for over a decade I've always gone to Pies and Pints in Fayetteville (Rich, Race Director). Megan (Marketing) loves Secret Sandwich Society (Fayetteville). Waterstone Outdoors (Fayetteville) has an awesome cafe/pub. Priscilla (Race Director) loves Cathedral Cafe (Fayetteville). There are lots of really good local eateries in the area.

Do we get to hug a bear?

14 years ago when I was on a run here I almost ran into a bear on one of the trails our race doesn't traverse. We both sprinted away in opposite directions. I did not ask for a hug.

What kind of trail shoes work best on this trail if there aren't a lot rocks and sticks to watch out for?

If you're doing the 50 miler I would start out with a road shoe and then switch at the 1st aid station to a less aggressive trail shoe. That being said, if the conditions are bad leading up to the race then obviously a trail shoe with a little bit more support would be warranted. Generally the best thing you can do is use something that you're comfortable with and have trained with. If you're doing the 50K I would stick with a non-aggressive trail shoe or even a road shoe if conditions are dry. But again, those are based on my own preferences. (Rich)

I ran the 50K in the Saucony Peregrine in 2025 (Megan).

2025 Participants: Start in the Altra Lone Peak, switch to the Altra Olympus (Grace L., 50 Mile), Salomon S Lab Ultra (Luke K., 50 Mile), Topo MT-5 (Sarrah L., 50K), Altra Lone Peak (Sarah H., 50K)

Would trekking poles be helpful? Or not necessary?

I always caution people not to use trekking poles unless they practiced with them in training. They will just be extra work if you've never used them before and something else to carry, but not beneficial. If you have collapsible trekking poles that can be stored away and only used on the tougher sections then they're great. Personally I wouldn't bring them because I don't use them often and wouldn't use them often on this course.

Priscilla found them incredibly useful during the 50K in 2025.

How do I register for Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay?
Registration is available through RunSignup!